check engine Acura RL 2005 Service Manual

Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(seeon page
).
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, or if you see a ‘‘CHECK ENGINE
OIL LEVEL’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, the oil pressure
has dropped very low or lost
pressure. Serious engine damage is
possible, and you should take
immediate action. If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, or if you
see a ‘‘CHECK CHARGING
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, the battery is
not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a dealer or a service station
where you can get technical
assistance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
305
360 253
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Emergency T owingCharging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
348
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.

To check if they are set, turn the
ignition to ON (II), without starting
the engine. The malf unction
indicator lamp will come on f or 20
seconds. If it then goes of f , the
readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not
set. If possible, do not take your
vehicle f or a state emissions test
until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to
f or more inf ormation (see page ). If your vehicle battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. If takes at least
three days of normal driving to set
the codes again.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on
the multi-information display.
Tighten the cap until it clicks at least
once (see page ). Tightening the
cap will not turn the indicator of f
immediately; it takes at least three
days of normal driving. If this indicator comes on
while driving, or if you see
a ‘‘CHECK EMISSION
SYSTEM’’ message on the multi-
inf ormation display, it means one of
the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may go of f as you
continue driving, have the vehicle
checked by your dealer as soon as
possible.
374
249 State Emissions T esting
Readiness Code
Malf unction Indicator L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
349
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.

The primary under-hood f use box is
in the engine compartment on the
driver’s side. To open it, push the
tabs as shown.The secondary under-hood f use box
is on the battery. To open it, push
thetabsasshown.
To check the f use box, remove the
battery cover f irst (see page ).
332
Fuses
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
353
PRIMARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX SECONDARY UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
TAB TAB

µµ
µ
(


%
)
$
%

.
"

#
) This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures f or repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written f or the journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough f or most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
This manual complements the service manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting inf ormation f or each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Authorized Manuals
Service Manual:
Electrical T roubleshooting Manual:
Body Repair Manual:
382
NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name,
and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should
be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown
below for a quotation.
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Customer Name Attention
Apartment Number
State & Zip Code
City
Daytime Telephone Number
Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only.
Do not send cash
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Card VISA
Check here if your billing address is different
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()
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

....................................
Accessories .255
ACCESSORY (Ignition Switch .....................................
Position) .115
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 156
.....................................
Acura Link .208
Adaptive Front Lighting System ..........................................
(AFS) .107
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 305
.............................
Airbag (SRS) .11, 25
............................
Air Conditioning .162
.........................................
Usage .163
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires .326
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline .248
......................................
Antif reeze .308
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ...............................
Indicator .62, 275
...................................
Operation .275
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 199
Anti-thef t Steering Column ............................................
Lock .115
.........................................
Ashtrays .157
................................
Audio System .171
Auto Control Mode, Starting ........................................
Engine .263 .......................
Automatic Lighting .105
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 22
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 201
..............
Automatic Transmission . 265
..........................
Capacity, Fluid .366
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 310
.......................................
Shif ting .265
Shif t Lever Position ...............................
Indicators .265
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 265
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 270
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator .60, 348
............................
Jump Starting .343
..............................
Maintenance .331
..........................................
Cover .322
............................
Specif ications .367
..............................
Bef ore Driving .247
..................................
Belts, Seat .10, 21
.........................
Beverage Holders .154
..................................
Booster Seats .51 Brakes
Anti-lock Brake ........................
System (ABS) .275
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 248
...........................................
Fluid .311
.......................................
Parking .151
.................
System Indicator . 61,350
........................
Wear Indicators .274
.............................
Braking System .274
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 248
Brightness Control, ...............................
Instruments .109
......................
Brights, Headlights .104
Bulb Replacement ..........................
Back-up Lights .320
.......................
Front Fog Lights .318
...............
Front Position Lights . 317
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 317
.................................
Headlights .314
............................
Specif ications .367
............
Turn Signal Lights . 316,320
.....................................
Built-in-key .128
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen .314
Index
A
B
INDEX
I

CONT INUED
Dipstick..........
Automatic Transmission . 310
..................................
Engine Oil .253
........................
Directional Signals .104
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 274
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil .307
Doors ............
Locking and Unlocking . 116
..................
Lockout Prevention . 116
.......................
Monitor Indicator .60
....................
Power Door Locks . 116
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 368
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 7
.......................................
Driver’s ID .86
...........................................
Driving .261
....................................
Economy .254
Driving Position Memory ........................................
System .124
..............................
Economy, Fuel .254
..................................
Emergencies .335
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 343
...........
Brake System Indicator . 350
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 337 .....
Charging System Indicator . 348
..................
Checking the Fuses . 354
.......
Hazard Warning Flashers . 109
............................
Jump Starting .343
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 348
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 349
Opening the Fuel Fill Door ................................
Manually .351
..................
Overheated Engine . 345
.......................................
Towing .360
.........................
Emergency Brake .151
....................
Emergency Flashers .109
......................
Emergency Towing .360
..........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 118
.......................
Emissions Controls .371
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 374
Engine ............
Check Starting System . 264
...............
Compartment Covers . 304
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 68
.........................
If It Won’t Start .341
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp .60, 349
.........................................
Oil lif e .291
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 60,348
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 305...............................
Overheating .345
............................
Specif ications .367
............................
Speed Limiter .270
.......................................
Starting .263
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 270
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline .248
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 371
...............................
Exhaust Fumes .54
Exhaust Gas Recirculation ........................................
System .372
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat ........................................
Belts by .19
...................................
Fan, Interior .164
.........................................
Features .161
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 249
Filters ...............................................
Oil .306
...........
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 109
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 337
.....................................
Floor Mats .322
Index
E F
INDEX
III

ÎÎ
Fluids..........
Automatic Transmission . 310
..........................................
Brake .311
..........................
Power Steering .312
..................
Windshield Washer . 310
.....................................
Fog Lights .106
........................
Four-way Flashers .109
............................
Front Airbags .11, 27
......................................
Front Seat .119
....................................
Adjusting .119
.......................................
Heaters .142
...................................
Airbags .11, 27
...........................
Air Ventilation .143
.................................................
Fuel .248
.........................
Check Fuel Cap .250
......................
Fill Door and Cap .249
...........................................
Gauge .68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .64
................
Octane Requirement . 248
Opening the Fuel Fill Door ................................
Manually .351
...............................
Oxygenated .248
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .249
.....................
Fuses, Checking the .354 ................
Gas Mileage Improving . 254
.........................................
Gasoline .248
...........................................
Gauge .68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator .64
................
Octane Requirement . 248
........................
Tank, Ref ueling .249
................
Gas Station Procedures . 249
.............................................
Gauges .68
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 68
...............................................
Fuel .68
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight .......................................
Rating) .284
............
Gearshif t Lever Positions . 265
......................................
Glove Box .153
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight .......................................
Rating) .284
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 314
........................
Hands Free Link .231
............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 109Headlights
Adaptive Front Lighting System ......................................
(AFS) .107
........................................
Aiming .314
..................
Automatic Lighting . 105
.........
Daytime Running Lights . 106
..................
High Beam Indicator . 64
....................
Lights On Indicator .62
..........
Low Beams, Turning on . 104
.......................
Reminder Chime .104
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 314
..........
High beams, Turning on . 104
...................................
Washer .102
............................
Head Restraints .120
...............................
Heated Mirror .123
...................................
Heater, Seat .142
.............
High Altitude, Starting at . 264
HomeLink Universal ................................
Transceiver .204
.......................
Hood, Opening the .251
................................................
Horn .101
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 364
Index
G
H
I
IV
TM

..............................
Paddle Shif ters .267
............
Panel Brightness Control . 109
........................
Park Gear Position .266
...........................................
Parking .266
...............................
Parking Brake .151
Parking Brake and Brake .................
System Indicator . 61,350
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 373
.............................
PGM-FI System .372
........................
Power Door Locks .116
...............
Power Socket Locations . 156
............................
Power Windows .145
.........
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 19
.........
Protecting Adults and Teens . 13
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 20
.....
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 19
........................
Protecting Children .36
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator .64
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 60,348
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 366
..........................
Luggage, Storing .257
..................................
Maintenance .289
................................
Main Items .299
........................................
Minder .291
Owner’s Maintenance ...................................
Checks .298
.................................
Record .301-302
..........................................
Saf ety .290
.............................
Schedule .291-300
...................................
Sub Items .300
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 60,349
...........
Memory, Driving Position . 124
.............................
Message Display .76
..........................
Message Indicator .66
...............................
Meters, Gauges .68
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 248
........................
Mirrors, Adjusting .122
.................................
Modif ications .255
...............
Modif ying Your Vehicle . 256
................................
Moonroof .147-150 ................................................
MP 3 .193
.............
Multi-Inf ormation Display . 69
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 248
.........................................
Odometer .70
...............................
Odometer, Trip .70
Oil ........................
Change, How to .306
......................
Change, When to .291
......................
Checking Engine .253
...............................
Lif e, Engine .291
..............
Pressure Indicator . 60,348
Selecting Proper Viscosity ......................................
Chart .305
.....
ON (Ignition Switch Position) . 115
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor ....................................
Recovery .371 ............................................
OnStar .217
............................
Outside Mirrors .123
....
Outside Temperature Indicator . 71
....................
Overheating, Engine .345
....
Owner’s Maintenance Checks . 298
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels .248
...................
Neutral Gear Position . 266
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 248
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 364
Index
O P
M N
VI

.
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 335
Technical Descriptions ......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 368
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 371
Three Way Catalytic .............................
Converters .373 .......................
Temperature Gauge .68
........
Temperature, Inside Sensor . 170
....................
Temperature, Outside . 71
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 49
Three Way Catalytic .................................
Converters .373
Tilt/Telescopic Steering .........................................
Wheel .111
....................................
Timing Belt .313
....................................
Tire Chains .329
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 337
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ..................................
(TPMS) .277
Monitoring Tire Pressure ..................................
Reading .329
...........
TPMS System Warning . 280
...............................................
Tires .325
..............................
Air Pressure .326
........................................
Chains .329
.........................
Checking Wear .326
..........................
Compact Spare .336
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 368
......................................
Inf lation .325
..................................
Inspection .326
...................................
Replacing .328
......................................
Rotating .327
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
.........................
Replacement in .317
.............................
Signaling Turns .104
.....................................
Snow Tires .329
................................
Sound System .171
Spare Tire ......................................
Inf lating .336
............................
Specif ications .367
....................
Specif ications Charts . 366
................................
Speed Limiter .270
.......................................
Spotlights .160
..........
SRS, Additional Inf ormation . 24
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 35
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 32
How Your Airbags ............................
Work .27, 30,32
........................
SRS Components .24
..................................
SRS Service .34
.............................
SRS Indicator .32 ,61
START (Ignition Switch .....................................
Position) .115
.......................
Starting the Engine .263
...................
Auto Control Mode . 263
In Cold Weather at High ..................................
Altitude .263
................
With a Dead Battery . 343 ..............
State Emissions Testing . 374
........
Steam Coming f rom Engine . 345
Steering Wheel ..............................
Adjustments .111
...........
Anti-thef t Column Lock . 115
......................
Position Memory .124
Steering Wheel Buttons/ .....................................
Switches .198
...................
Stereo Sound System . 171
....................
Storing Your Vehicle .333
......................................
Sun Visors .156
Supplemental Restraint ................................
System .11, 24
......................................
Servicing .34
.........................
SRS Indicator .32 ,61
...................
System Components . 24
..................................
Synthetic Oil .305
Index
T
VIII